Rural Health
News by Topic: Health workforce supply and demand
Apr 27, 2026 - Littleton Regional Healthcare CMO Richard McKenzie believes that success in rural healthcare delivery is dependent on how systems are designed, and how they provide access, support clinicians, and ensure sustainable revenue. McKenzie previously worked as a manufacturing engineer, combining efficiency with frontline realities.
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Apr 23, 2026 - Announces a new grow your own program aiming to increase the healthcare workforce in rural Colorado. The program will support students interested in healthcare careers with both education and training related needs as well as wraparound services such as transportation and childcare.
Source: Colorado Rural Health Center Press Releases
Apr 22, 2026 - The University of Washington's Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program doubled in size last year, after moving to the Gonzaga University campus and expanding Spokane-based training to the first two years of dental school. 78% of RIDE students practice in rural areas after graduation.
Source: The Spokesman-Review
Apr 21, 2026 - Describes psychiatrist workforce shortages in West Virginia following a recent report that the state has the lowest supply in the nation. Discusses drivers of the shortage, including reimbursement rates and administrative process, fewer people entering the field, and behavioral health disparities in the state.
Source: West Virginia Watch
Apr 14, 2026 - Google.org and the Johnson & Johnson Foundation are investing $10 million into training rural healthcare workers to use AI-powered tools. The initiative is intended to automate scheduling, streamline patient documentation, and make clinic operations more efficient, in facilities that are struggling with workforce shortages and administrative overload.
Source: The Tech Buzz
Apr 12, 2026 - Describes psychiatry workforce shortages in Iowa where agriculture is a significant industry and farmers are in need of mental healthcare. Discusses expansion of a psychiatry residency program with a rural practice focus in hopes of retaining more workforce.
Source: KCRG
Apr 9, 2026 - Discusses using technology to increase access to healthcare for rural Utah residents. Highlights healthcare professionals using technology and training for rural practice.
Source: Fox 13
Apr 7, 2026 - Announces Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) funding for nutrition service expansion into primary care settings and for rural residency programs for high-need specialties to address rural workforce shortages.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 7, 2026 - Describes a spring break camp for Kansas elementary students aiming to reduce rural healthcare workforce shortages by introducing rural students to healthcare careers.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Mar 29, 2026 - Describes long distances to cancer treatment common in rural areas and how one Texas medical facility added the service in a small community. Discusses challenges in attracting oncologists to rural facilities and offering access to more modern, advanced treatments.
Source: CNN